Why Study in Political Science?
Do you wish to learn how politics work at all levels? Do you want to hone your skills of critical thought and evaluation? Do you want to do all of this in a bilingual, multicultural environment that is just steps away from Parliament Hill?
Located in the heart of the nation’s capital neighbouring Parliament Hill and the Quebec border, the Political Science program is the perfect place to study all aspects of contemporary politics. With an undergraduate program that allows students to take their courses in either official language and that has a diverse and multicultural student body, it is truly a microcosm of Canadian society. This context ensures that students who enrol in Political Science will get a distinctive view of the institutions, structures, norms and forces that make up contemporary politics. Students also benefit from the opportunities to work, volunteer, or hold co-op placements in a variety of public service, government and non-governmental organizations.
Most of our courses are organized around four profiles, though other courses are trans-profiles. These four profiles are:
Canadian and Quebec Politics
Located at the heart of our national capital, the School offers a unique opportunity for students wishing to study and experience Canadian politics. Students of Canadian politics will gain a more precise understanding of the main national institutions, the driving issues of Canadian politics and social movements, as well as the history and importance of the relationship between Quebec and the rest of Canada.
International Relations and Global Politics (INT)
Students interested in global politics will also benefit from the unique context of the School. The program is designed to allow students to better understand and critically analyze Canadian foreign policy, as well as the institutions that shape global and international politics, the history and development of transnational social movements, global environmental politics, and other key issues of global politics.
Political Thought (PPT)
The program offers a strong training in the theoretical bases of political analysis. It emphasizes the importance of theoretical thinking, the role of ideas and critical analysis. Our courses provide students with the necessary skills to better understand and evaluate the central questions of power, authority, legitimacy, contestation and resistance that emerge in all political contexts.
Comparative Politics (COMP)
If you are interested in politics in Africa, Latin America, Asia, Eastern and Western Europe, and the Middle East and the Arab world? We offer courses that cover all of these regions. Our program also allows students to better understand issues ranging from democratization and political regimes, to political violence, from the political economy of development to identities in politics, as they unfold in all these regions.